There are some truly inspiring women in business in this world. From the ones who are becoming champions in sports with disabilities, to the ones who are standing up for climate change, to our local women in business making a difference. But the ones who we think take top spot, are the ones becoming influential businesswomen.
Being in business is so tough, and up until recently, it seemed to be something that men were dominating. Just the thought of going into business as a woman is so intimidating, because for so long, and it still is, known as a man's world. It's hard to beat that stigma that if you're going to run a business, you need to be this big macho man who is ruling them all.
But we're moving into a very modern era where everyone is trying to take a piece of the business pie, and isn't it wonderful that women seem to be shining through with this one? We deserve to show the world how powerful we can be, and it's so good that we're now getting there.
I find it amazing that there are more inspiring women in business in the news now being recognized and appreciated for their achievements. Clearly, behind every successful person is a woman's support.
Big business ideas or not, there has never been a better time to join these influential women on their journey, and give them a standing ovation.
Just three ways women excel in the areas of business
Inspiring women in business are idea factories
The one thing that women always seem to have struggled with in business, is not having their ideas heard. And it is only recently that women have started to rise to power in business and their ideas being taken seriously. Not surprising that they are bringing new business ideas to the table, especially those that help to support other women.
Obviously, you can have any business idea that you like, but if you have one that's also helping other women, even if it limits your audience, you're building a society of other powerful women. A lot of people are going down the beauty and fitness route and a woman's touch is needed here. If there's one thing that we can all relate to, it's that we have insecurities built up inside that we're just struggling to control. So, having businesses that women can turn to is so important, and that's the idea that so many influential business women are having.
We're also good at listening to other people's concepts, which could in turn help grow a business. Men often tend to be set in their ways with what they want and how to get it, whereas women are more adaptable. Just look at that Mom multi-tasking, managing the household, looking after their kids and making sure everything runs smoothly around the home! Surely an award-winning role?
Inspiring women have the problem solving brain
It has always been known that men rush into far more decisions than us women do, and that's why we tend to do things the logical way. But in business, you can't really afford to just jump into decisions, and this is where women are winning. There are so many problems in business to try and solve, and they'll come in thick and fast every day.
One major problem that businesses are having at the moment is customer care and protecting their customers' personal information. Businesswomen come up with solutions for prospective problems. For example, they are choosing to catch fake IDs easily with this identity verification service. It is solutions like these that arrest a problem before it arises. If you're going into business, this is an important skill to have, to find the problem before it even begins.
This applies to all kinds of problems - not just those related to customer care and safety! Again-look at that Mom juggling various aspects of her life. She usually has a solution in her pocket for any issue that might arise!
Inspiring women in business have the power and determination
Women fight through a lot of rubbish to get to the top, but it's that power and determination that's getting them there. It's disgusting, but true that in the business world, women are often considered "inferior". You'll find companies that you wish to outsource to are not as receptive as they would be for males.
Believe it or not-during my corporate career, where I had to meet heads of organizations, many didn't take me seriously because I was a woman! It's such a strange concept, but it's one that's definitely happening around the world.
So, if after reading this you think you'd like to be that influential businesswoman, you need to make sure that you go through the rough parts, build partnerships with people who trust your vision, and get back up after every setback! If you can't do this, then you'll never get to where you need to be. Of course, I'd be the first to acknowledge that it is the same for men starting up their own small business as well since there's such a stigma around new businesses that everyone needs to battle through.
Because if there is one thing I know for sure, it is that it is not easy.